Day 4 of Life - June 22nd

Ma's blood pressure spiked again last night, higher than it has ever been, and the staff gave her a double dose of Labetalol. Unfortunately, the meds did nothing to improve her blood pressure, so they gave her a dose of a stronger blood pressure medicine (the name of which she can't remember). They can only give her this medication once, so it isn't a long-term solution, but it did bring her blood pressure down to "almost normal". As a result, they actually let her out of her room! Apparently, she went down to the NICU, visited Sha and then read this blog for the first time. Ma is now back on bed rest and in solitary confinement. Staff is now saying that she will be in the hospital for the weekend, at least.

Sha is doing well. Apparently, he keeps trying to escape his bedding...guess he thinks its time to go home! When Ma visited him late last night, he was trying to "bum scoot" out of his "prison". Ma had to get a nurse to put him back where he belongs! His nurse has also given him a soother, and although he doesn't suck on it regularly, it almost fell out once and he sucked it right back in! (A good sign, as it verifies that he has his suck reflex!) He is still ventilated, but is almost back down to the equivalent of room air.

The nurse that Sha has right now is absolutely awesome. When Ma went to take some breastmilk down to the NICU last night, the nurse told her that she was sick of Ma not being able to touch her son. She also said that Sha was probably sad, as he hasn't heard Ma's voice in 3 days. (I told her she should go swear near him and then he'll really feel like he's still in her womb!!!)

Anyway, Ma called Pa to come down the the NICU and the nurse took the hood and sides down of the incubator and said, "Look after your son!" So, Ma and Pa each got to touch Sha, really for the first time, and they each put a hand on his head. Sha also grabbed each of the fingers and held on for dear life. (Another good sign, as he obviously has his grasp reflex!). This was by far the greatest moment for the new family. The first real bonding moment.